Boston Blackie: Boxer's Murder Case 10/18/1945

Summary

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Episode Overview

Episode Title: Boston Blackie: Boxer's Murder Case (10/18/1945)
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast Date: October 18, 1945
Summary:
This episode features Boston Blackie, the famed detective, as he dives into the seedy world of fixed boxing matches and murder. Bob Johnson, a prizefighter, is pressured to throw a fight but wins instead—only to end up dead at his own victory party. Boston Blackie must navigate a tangled web of gamblers, managers, and fighters to uncover the real killer, all while contending with his frequent adversary, Inspector Faraday.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Set-Up: The Fixed Fight

• [00:00 - 04:16]
  • Bob Johnson, the champion boxer, is prepping for a big fight.
  • He’s approached by Edwards, a shady gambler, who tries to bribe/threaten him into taking a dive in the sixth round (“Either you get knocked out in the sixth or dragged out of an alley later on. See you later, champ.” - Edwards, 01:17).
  • Boston Blackie visits Johnson’s dressing room to confront him about rumors of a fixed fight. Tempers flare, and Blackie is physically thrown out.
  • “Taking a dive is pretty rotten, Bob.” — Blackie, 03:09

The Outcome: An Unexpected Victory

• [05:00 - 07:39]
  • Despite the fix, Johnson wins the fight by knocking out Hollister in the fifth round—unexpectedly, since everyone had bet on Johnson to purposefully lose in the sixth.
  • The gamblers are enraged; the stakes (and potential for revenge) are raised.

The Victory Party — And a Murder

• [08:03 - 10:26]
  • A party is thrown in Bob Johnson’s honor. Attendees include manager Beckley, girlfriend Carolyn, and others from the boxing world.
  • The mood shifts when Johnson can’t be found; moments later, Inspector Faraday arrives with shocking news: Bob Johnson has been found dead, apparently pushed from the penthouse (“Johnson’s…in the courtyard, 18 stories down, and he’s dead. Somebody in the building across the street saw him get pushed.” — Faraday, 10:36).
  • Blackie, having argued with Johnson earlier and being the last to see him alive, is immediately arrested for murder.

Blackie Under Suspicion (Interrogation)

• [11:00 - 16:14]
  • Faraday gives Blackie the third degree, accusing him with circumstantial evidence: presence, motive, recent altercation.
  • Blackie rebuts, pointing out other suspects: Edwards (the gambler), Hollister’s manager Beckley, and even Hollister himself.
  • “A crooked boxer, an important fight, heavy betting, a penthouse party. All it needs now…a beautiful blonde.” — Faraday, 13:33

Carolyn Smith's Intervention

• [14:13 - 16:54]
  • Carolyn Smith, Johnson's girlfriend, provides Blackie’s defense and points suspicion toward Edwards, claiming he threatened Johnson when Johnson failed to throw the fight.
  • Faraday leaves to investigate Edwards; Blackie and Carolyn set out on their own lead—suspecting manager Beckley.

Unraveling the Case: More Murder

• [17:03 - 18:10]
  • Blackie and Carolyn find Beckley dead in his home—another murder, obviously related.
  • Faraday catches up, and Blackie quickly eliminates Edwards as a suspect based on alibi timing, shifting his focus.

Closing in on the Real Killer

• [18:54 - 21:42]
  • Carolyn confronts Hollister, accusing him of both murders based on knowledge of the fix and his suspicious knockout.
  • Hollister becomes aggressive, confirming Carolyn’s theory through his reactions.
  • Blackie, lurking nearby, confronts Hollister directly and overpowers him in a brief scuffle.
  • “Go to sleep, little killer.” — Blackie, 21:39

Case Resolution

• [22:08 - 23:07]
  • Hollister confesses under police questioning.
  • Blackie explains his deduction: Hollister took a dive in the fifth, bet heavily on Johnson, was blackmailed for his scheme, and killed both Johnson and Beckley to cover his tracks.
  • “I was sure Johnson and Beckley were killed by the same man for the same reason.” — Blackie, 22:48
  • Faraday is (reluctantly) grateful, as always.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Edwards threatens Johnson:

  • “Either you get knocked out in the sixth or dragged out of an alley later on.” — Edwards, 01:17

• Blackie confronts Bob Johnson:

  • “Taking a dive is pretty rotten, Bob.” — Blackie, 03:09

• Faraday’s cynicism:

  • “A crooked boxer, an important fight, heavy betting, a penthouse party. All it needs now…a beautiful blonde.” — Faraday, 13:33

• Carolyn puts Faraday back on track:

  • “I know he made a deal with Bob to throw the fight in the sixth round. And I was with Edwards…when Bob won…the fifth. Edwards said he was going to take care of Bob.” — Carolyn, 15:34

• Blackie on Faraday's suspicions:

  • “I remain, as always, Faraday, your faithful suspect.” — Blackie, 10:53

• Climactic confrontation:

  • “Go to sleep, little killer.” — Blackie, 21:39

• Case solved:

  • “I don’t solve all the police cases in this town, only the ones that Faraday works on.” — Blackie, 23:04

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|-------------------------------------------| | 00:00–04:16| Fight fix set-up; first confrontation | | 05:00–07:39| Unexpected outcome in the boxing ring | | 08:03–10:36| The party; Johnson's murder is discovered | | 11:00–14:13| Blackie’s interrogation | | 14:13–16:54| Carolyn’s testimony | | 17:03–18:10| Beckley is found dead | | 18:54–21:42| Carolyn confronts Hollister, Blackie intervenes | | 22:08–23:07| Wrap-up: case explanation and banter |

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains its classic sharp and witty banter, particularly between Blackie and Faraday. The dialogue is snappy, with clever repartee masking real threats—and genuine investigative insight. The world is that of noir: full of double-crosses, tough guys, and shadowy motivations.

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Conclusion

“Boxer’s Murder Case” blends sports intrigue with classic murder mystery, pitting Boston Blackie against both criminals and the police. The episode explores themes of betrayal, greed, and justice in the high-stakes milieu of 1940s boxing. With smart dialogue, a tangled plot, and plenty of twists, it’s a prime example of classic radio detective drama.

Transcript

[A]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio, where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows, like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail]. A little more on the shoulders, Jackie. Yeah, yeah, champ. When I rub them down, I do it good. How much you bet on me to win the fight, Jackie? All my bread and butter. For a week, I bet. Yeah.

[B]

Hope you ain't gonna be hungry.

[A]

Come in. Hello, Johnson. Ah, hi, Mr. Edwards. That's enough for now, Jackie.

[B]

Get lost.

[A]

Sure, sure. The temp says get lost, I get low. How you feeling, Johnson? Great. Think you can take Hollister and the fight tonight? What do you think? I can't afford to. Just think, I've got to know you gambles are all alike. Oh, no, Johnson, we're not all alike. Some of us aren't smart. Okay, let's have the pitch. No pitch, Johnson. I just want you to know my syndicate is backing Hollister to Windsor. I think I see what you mean. Nothing to him. Luck, Johnson. There's money in it for you, too. I make my money fighting. I want you to take a dive in the sixth round. You're gonna be a nice boy and go down for the count in the sixth. Am I? Yeah. Either you get knocked out in the sixth or dragged out of an alley later on. See you later, champ. And now meet Dick Kalmer as Boston Blackie. Enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend. Hey, Jackie.

[B]

Oh, see who that is at the door, will you?

[A]

Yeah, yeah, the door. Sure, champ, sure. Yeah.

[B]

This Bob Johnson's dressing room?

[A]

That's right. Hey, is that Boston Blackie out there?

[B]

Yeah, Bob, can I come in?

[A]

Sure, pal, why not? Hi, You Blackie?

[B]

Fine, Bob.

[A]

And you in the pink. What's up?

[B]

Well, there's some talk going around, Bob. I've heard rumors that pint's been fixed.

[A]

Is that so?

[B]

Is it, Bob?

[A]

What's it to you?

[B]

I just like to know which way to bet. To be specific, Bob, I heard that you're set to take a dive in the sixth.

[A]

What are you calling me?

[C]

Nothing.

[A]

Hey, Jackie, open the door for Blackie. He's leaving. Sure. Open a door. I open the door.

[B]

So you are fixed to take a dive, huh?

[A]

Get out of here, Blacky, or I'll forget we used to be friends.

[B]

Go ahead and forget. You've apparently forgotten you used to be a clean fighter.

[A]

What I do in the ring, it's my own business. A scram.

[B]

Taking a dive is pretty rotten Bob,

[A]

maybe a good punch in the face will shut that yep of yours. Oh, thanks. Throwing the right. Right in there, champ. You knocked them down. You knocked them. You want more, Blackie?

[B]

I think maybe you'll be sorry you took me, Bob.

[A]

Champ.

[B]

Great guy, Jackie, if you like any non professional in town.

[A]

Beat it, Blackie. And stay out the champ. Just to beat it, Blackie. You beat it. Close the door, Jackie. Don't let that rat in here again.

[B]

I'll be seeing you, Johnson. Wow.

[A]

Hello, Blankie.

[B]

Oh, Inspector Faraday. Now my evening's perfect.

[A]

Just give me time, Frankie. I'll think of something to spoil it. What's the matter with your job, Blankie?

[B]

The same thing that'd be the matter with yours if Bob Johnson tagged you.

[A]

What'd you try to do, Blankie? Tell him how to fight?

[B]

I'll write you a letter. Only that wouldn't do any good, would it? Who'd read it to you?

[A]

Very unfunny. You gonna watch the fight?

[B]

No.

[A]

That's good. Then I can go and see it and enjoy myself. Alice Johnson Hollister Battle. Ought to be a good one.

[B]

Maybe not good, but interesting.

[A]

Yeah? What does that mean?

[B]

Did you see who just went into Hollister's dressing room? Johnson's handler. Jackie, Just what does that.

[A]

What kind of information do you got, Jackie? I'm telling you, I got it, Mr. Benkley. I got it. Get on back to Johnson's dressing room, Jackie, and tell him I'll break his jaw on the ring tonight. Now beat it. You're having dreams again, Mr. Hollister. I ain't dreaming.

[B]

I got information.

[A]

What kind, Jackie? The kind I cost, though. You're my manager, Beckley. You pay the bills. Here's half a C note, Jackie. I'll spill it.

[C]

Thanks you. 50, huh?

[A]

50. Spill it, Jackie. What do you know?

[C]

That Johnson's fixed to take a dive in a sixth.

[A]

He had a sixth. What? How do you know? I just know. I heard him. And Mr. Edwards, here's another 50. Keep your mouth shut. Another. Sure, sure, I'll shut up. Now scream out of here quick.

[C]

Thanks, Jackie.

[A]

Thanks a lot. I don't tell nobody nothing.

[C]

I don't tell nobody nobody.

[A]

Don't forget, Joe. What do you know about that? Johnson's fixed to take the count in the sixth, eh? Looks like we're in, huh? In, kid, we're in the chips. I'm putting every last cent I got on you, kid. I love that, Jackie. I love Johnson. I love you. It's a wonderful world. I could go out and kiss Somebody save it, Joe. Save it till we see Johnson kiss the canvas. Ladies and gentlemen, we're here tonight for the broadcast. Turn the radio down just a minute, will you, Carol? Still on the wire, Harry? Sure, Mr. Redwood. How are the odds we're getting in New Orleans? Great, Mr. Redwood. Getting them all right in Los Angeles? Sure. And Chicago sticking 20 to one against Johnson dropping in the sixth. Well, the fight's going into the fifth now. Won't be long before the customers get the bad news. All set, huh, boys? Sure. This is a real boat race. I hope so, because if Johnson don't die and in the right round, we'll have to close. What are you worrying about? Not in the funeral. I'm not worrying about anything. I'll call you again after the sea, okay? So long. Fine. Turn the radio off, Carolyn. I want to enjoy every minute of this.

[C]

Sure thing.

[A]

Both fighters look to be in the best of shape. This promises to be a great fight. Right down to the last punch of the leg. Duncan takes the dive in the next round. Honey, I want to give it an opening. Johnson is after him. Hollister tries to left to the face that pisses. Lands a light right that does no damage. There's a hard right by Johnson and a left that staggers the challenger. And they fall into a clinch. The referee moves in a breaks of the fight. Hollister moves in now with a left, a right. Another left that misses. And Johnson comes back with a right and a lift. The graces of face. Hollister tries to lift to the body. Another left. Johnson lands a right on the jaw. And another right. And Hollister is down. Get up. Get her. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Six.

[C]

What happened? Johnson wasn't supposed to win. Didn't you say he was going to lose the fight in the sixth?

[A]

That no good double crosser. Well, he won the fight, but maybe he's going to lose something much more important. Having a good time, Jackie? Me, Mr. Edwards, I like parties. Johnson throws when he wins a fight. Even KO Hollister was invited.

[C]

I haven't seen our host around for the last half hour. Where is he, Jackie?

[A]

I thought he was with you, Carol. Maybe out on the terrace. The camp was talking to Boston Blackie last I saw them, but I don't know where they are.

[C]

Is Boston Blackie here? Why didn't somebody tell me?

[A]

Don't get Johnson sore all over again at Blackie. Carolyn, what's Johnson sorry at Blackie for? Blackie said Johnson was gonna throw to fight tonight. Johnson laid one right on his kitchen.

[C]

Uh, I Hope he didn't spoil that handsome face.

[A]

It was only a lay him down tap. I wish I could find the Champ. Like to talk to him.

[C]

I wish I could find Boston Blackie. I could go for him.

[B]

Well, you don't have to go far, because here he is.

[C]

Hello, Hale and handsome.

[B]

Hello, blonde and beautiful. Do you have a name?

[A]

Owen Johnson.

[C]

Made up, Blackie. You made up?

[B]

I think so.

[C]

Introduce it someone.

[A]

Oh, Blackie, this is Carolyn Smith. Carolyn, Boston, Blackie. Hello.

[B]

How do you do? Now it's official, Ms. Smith.

[A]

Take it easy, Blackie. She's the Champ's special girlfriend. You've had one punch from him already.

[B]

Well, with my girlfriend, Mary Wesley, on vacation till next week, I wouldn't mind being knocked out for a knockout like Carolyn.

[C]

You certainly know the right things to say, Blackie.

[A]

They wouldn't be if the Champ heard them. Where is he, Blackie?

[B]

Last I saw him about. Oh, I GUESS it was 10 minutes ago. He was out on the terrace.

[A]

Excuse me. I think I'll try to find him. I'll go with you. No, no, no. I want to talk to him alone, Jackie. It's a personal matter. But I like to hear what he's going to say to the chap.

[B]

What do you mean, Jackie?

[A]

Nothing. I gotta go and make eyes at the foot of girls.

[B]

Jackie isn't so slap happy at that.

[C]

Do you make eyes at the pretty girls, Blackie?

[B]

Certainly not in a crowded room.

[C]

Where would you suggest? Harris? Perhaps?

[B]

Why not? If we find we don't like each other, there's always the view.

[C]

Hey, Lucky, has the time come in History.

[B]

I haven't seen him, Edwards.

[C]

He wasn't out on the terrace.

[A]

No, I can't find him anywhere.

[B]

Maybe he doesn't like parties, even his own.

[C]

I'll see if I can find him.

[B]

In that case, we'll all look for him.

[A]

You go ahead. I think I'll go home.

[B]

Thought you had to talk business with Johnson.

[A]

I did. It can wait.

[C]

Coming, Blackie?

[B]

No, I just noticed the time. I have to be up early. I think I'll leave with Edwards.

[A]

Please don't.

[B]

I'm sorry, but I better wait a second. Edwards, I'll drive you up town in my car.

[C]

Well, if you two are leaving, I might as well. May I have a list, too?

[B]

Why not? Come on, let's all get out of here.

[A]

All right, everybody, we didn't get out soon enough.

[B]

That's Inspector Faraday.

[A]

All right, everybody stay right where you are. Nobody leaves until I say so. Now, what's this all about? This is Bob Johnson's apartheid, isn't it? Yes, it is. But he's not here, Cross. He's not here because he's in the courtyard, 18 stories down, and he's dead. Yeah, and somebody in the building across the street saw him get pushed. Now, who? Well, look who's here. Blackie.

[B]

Oh, gee, I'm hurt that you didn't notice me the moment you came in, Inspector.

[A]

Minute I got to that body, I should have known you'd be somewhere around.

[B]

I remain, as always, Faraday, your faithful suspect.

[A]

I'll attend to you later. Who was the last one here to see Johnson alive? I think Blackie was, Inspector. Oh, I say I'd attend to you later, Blankie. Oh, no. I'm gonna tend to you now, Inspector. You're in a rut, Blankie. You're in a jam. I know you had a fight with Johnson early this evening.

[B]

So.

[A]

So I did. You're coming down to headquarters.

[B]

Oh, Faraday, what for?

[A]

For murder, Blackie. And if I have my. And now back to Boston, Blackie. Blackie had an argument with a boxer whom he accused of being fixed later at the fighter's victory party. The fighter is found dead. Blackie is the last person who saw him alive. And so Inspector Faraday has arrested Blackie on suspicion of murder. As we return to our story, Blackie is at police headquarters getting the third degree. How would you like a nice, tall, cool glass of water, Blackie? Chock full of ice.

[B]

Well, Faraday, that'd be great.

[A]

Well, you're not gonna get it.

[B]

Thanks.

[A]

What's the matter, Blackie? The lights hurt your eyes?

[B]

They are a little bright, Faraday, which is more than I can say for you.

[A]

You want me to turn them down a little, sweetheart?

[B]

Want to turn them out? It's cozier that way. Go on, turn them down. Please, Inspector.

[A]

All right. Hey, Matthews, turn the lights up as bright as they'll go. Why, it's quite here, Inspector.

[B]

Barney, you're a great guy when you've got your playmates with you. Let me get in a room alone with you and maybe we'll get somewhere.

[A]

Come on, Frankie, talk.

[B]

Sure, Inspector. About what?

[A]

About Bob Johnson's death.

[B]

About Bob Johnson's killer, you mean, don't you?

[A]

Sure. Go ahead, Frankie. Talk about yourself. That always makes you happy.

[B]

Sure it does. But seeing you takes the fun away.

[A]

Look, talk, will you? I don't have all night.

[B]

I've got nowhere to go.

[A]

I don't care what you have. All I'm interested in is what I have.

[B]

I'VE never noticed that you had much of anything.

[A]

Oh, I got plenty. Now, you on a charge of murder with a motive, proof that you're at the scene of the crime, and a witness who swears you were the last person to see the dead man alive.

[B]

Same tired old Faraday. Same tired old speech.

[A]

Come on, Blighty, talk. And this time make it about the murder. Okay.

[B]

There was a murder. Bob Johnson got killed. Now what, Inspector?

[A]

Look, no more wise cracks. You, you're in a jam.

[B]

And you're in a blizzard, as usual.

[A]

Yeah, maybe. Only nobody ever got the electric chair for being confused. And you're headed for the electric chair.

[B]

Oh, Faraday, stop, will you? You don't have a thing on me. Oh, no?

[A]

Get this set up. A crooked boxer, an important fight, heavy betting, a penthouse party. Well, all it needs now to make it perfect is a beautiful blonde. Go see who's at the door, Matthews. Sure, Inspector.

[B]

If it's the blonde, see if she can get a friend for Faraday Here,

[A]

Blackie, you're supposed to be getting the third degree.

[B]

Oh, so this is the third degree. Well, I'm glad you told me. What time do I crack up and confess?

[A]

Inspector Faraday. What is it, Matthews? Inspector Faraday, there's a blonde dame outside who says she knows something about Blackie and the Bob Johnson murder.

[B]

The picture's perfect now, Faraday, here's the blonde that was missing.

[A]

Hi, Blacky. Go bring her in, Matthews. Right away, Inspector. Right away. Well, Inspector, what do you mean?

[B]

Well, are you gonna let me go?

[A]

Are you crazy?

[B]

No, you are. You're so excited about getting me on the spot that you haven't given yourself time to think about who really might have killed Bob Johnson.

[A]

I know who killed him. You?

[B]

What about Hollister's manager?

[A]

Well, what about him?

[B]

He bet his shirt on Hollister to beat Johnson. Hollister lost.

[A]

So what?

[B]

So maybe that was the last shirt Hollister's manager had. He might have killed Johnson on account of it. Yeah, and there's Edward as a gambler. Johnson may have cost him a fortune by winning.

[A]

So what?

[B]

So there's still another possibility. Hollister himself. Maybe he made a deal with Johnson for the chance to let him win the fight. And Johnson double crossed him.

[A]

Sure, sure. So they're suspects, too.

[B]

But you're the murderer, Inspector Faraday and his one cracked mind. I heard the fight was fixed. I don't know who fixed it, but somebody double crossed somebody else. And that's why Johnson's dead.

[A]

Here's the dame who wants to see Inspector. Thanks, Matthews. Come in, young lady.

[C]

Thanks.

[A]

You wait outside, Matthews.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

Who are you, Miss?

[B]

This is Carolyn Smith, Bob Johnson's girlfriend.

[A]

Oh, yeah. You were at the party when I arrested Blackie here.

[C]

And I think you made a terrible mistake, Inspector.

[A]

So I made a mistake, huh?

[B]

She doesn't know you very well, Faraday. She thinks that's new.

[A]

Why Blackie?

[C]

Honestly, Inspector, I'm sure Blackie didn't kill Bob.

[A]

I suppose you know exactly who did.

[C]

No, but I know who might have.

[A]

Who?

[C]

Edward the gambler.

[A]

What makes you think that?

[C]

I know he made a deal with Bob to throw the fight in the sixth round. And I was with Edwards listening to the radio when Bob won the fight in the fifth. Edward said then that he was going to take care of Bob.

[B]

And take care in this case. Didn't mean to provide for his old age, Faraday. It meant to make sure he didn't have one.

[A]

I know what it means, Blankie. I'm going out to see this guy Edwards.

[B]

Hey, what about me? Don't tell me I'm not a suspect any longer. You?

[A]

I never thought you were. But I thought you knew plenty about this case.

[B]

Well, in that case, I'll go out and see Edwards, too.

[A]

Oh, no, you don't.

[B]

Oh, yes, I do.

[A]

Hey, Matthews. Matthews. Yeah, Inspector? Keep Blackie here for 30 minutes, then let him go. Yes, sir. Don't forget, 30 minutes. I'll watch him.

[B]

What's that? Precaution for, Inspector, so I can be

[A]

sure to get to Edwards before you do. This is one case I'm gonna handle myself.

[B]

Well, after you get through handling it, Inspector, come to me and I'll solve it for you.

[A]

Yeah, I need you like I need another arm. I could use another arm. Something.

[B]

No. Say, thanks for coming to my rescue, miss.

[C]

Can I help it if I like you?

[B]

You like me enough to lie about Edwards?

[C]

Sure. Only I wasn't lying. Bob Johnson told me Edwards had warned him he'd have to take a dive in the 6 or else. Doesn't that make Edwards the most obvious suspect?

[B]

Of course it does. And that's why I don't think he killed Bob at all.

[C]

Then who did?

[B]

Well, as Hollister the loser, he had a great motive. Revenge. But the person with the least motive of all would be Hollister's manager, Joe Beckley.

[C]

I know where Mr. Beckley lives. Do you want to go to see him?

[B]

No, I don't want to. But if I'm going to find a killer for Faraday, I've got a hunch I'll have to, Miss Smith. You sure this is where Becky lives?

[C]

This is where I live. Yesterday, the last time I saw him.

[B]

Oh, he doesn't answer. Let's fire the door.

[C]

It's open?

[B]

Yes, more or less. Let's make it still more dark. I think a little light will take care of that. The switch should be here at the side of the door. And it is there. Don't faint, Miss Smith. That man never hurt anyone.

[C]

Mr. Beckley.

[B]

Well, there goes my little theory. Don't touch anything while I look at the body. Dead only a few minutes.

[A]

All your theories are wrong, Bucky Faraday.

[B]

This case has enough complications without you here. Miss Smith can tell you I didn't kill this guy. He was here.

[A]

I know. He was dead when you found him. Buggy. I've been here for the last three minutes.

[B]

Didn't you get to see Edwards?

[A]

Sure, I saw him.

[B]

When?

[A]

I left him about 15 minutes ago.

[B]

How long were you with him?

[A]

Half an hour, maybe. I got a hunch he killed Johnson. But I can't arrest people on hunches.

[B]

Not people, only me. But don't bother to arrest Edwards, Faraday. He's innocent.

[A]

Yeah. I suppose you know who killed Johnson and this guy Beckley here?

[B]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.

[C]

Oh, please, Blackie, please. Don't look at me.

[B]

I can't help a beautiful. Because you have a lot more to do with the solution of this case than meets the eye.

[C]

Hello, Mr. Hollister.

[B]

Hi, Sarah.

[A]

Come in.

[C]

See, you're talking. Going anywhere? Yeah, well, I got here just in time, didn't I?

[A]

In time for what?

[C]

You think I'm dumb, don't you?

[A]

I never gave you a thought of any kind. What do you want?

[C]

I want money, Hollister.

[A]

Who doesn't?

[C]

Look, I know the whole story, and I want to be paid to keep quiet.

[A]

What whole story are you talking about?

[C]

Why you killed Bob Johnson and your manager.

[A]

You're crazy.

[C]

You want to hear how crazy I am?

[A]

Why should I kill anybody, much less Jensen and Beckley?

[C]

Now, look, Bob didn't hit you in the fifth round. Not hard enough to knock you out, that is. I know he didn't, and he knew he didn't. You went down in the fifth because you had a lot of money bet on Bob to win in the fifth.

[A]

Yeah, and if Bob won the fight, I won a lot of dough. Why should I kill him?

[C]

Because Bob knew he hadn't hit you with a knockout and he wanted a cut of your winnings or he'd go to the authorities. So so sometimes during a party at his apartment, you killed him. And you killed your manager for the same reason. He saw that Bob hadn't hit you hard enough to knock you down. He bet everything he had on you, and he wanted a cut of your winnings or he'd go to the boxing commission, too.

[A]

Smudge.

[C]

Now, I want some money, Hollister. Just enough to get me out of town. Town? And keep me out.

[A]

Or.

[C]

Or if I stay around town, I might meet somebody who likes to know what I know, and I might start talking.

[A]

Look, you little Blackmailing. It's my business to knock people around. Just because you're a danger, you let go. You're not smart enough to figure this out for yourself. Who did it for you?

[B]

No one.

[A]

No one. Talk.

[C]

You were a preacher.

[A]

You're hating me.

[C]

Please.

[A]

Who figured this out for you, huh? Want to get hit again? No. No. Who figured that I kill Jonathan of Beckley?

[C]

Blackie.

[A]

Who?

[C]

Boston Blackie, I think.

[A]

Somebody that smart, I might have known. Where can I find him?

[C]

Oh, please, let go.

[A]

Where can I find Blackie?

[C]

He stays outside in the hall.

[A]

Well, I'll take care of him. You stay just where you are. Please.

[C]

Please, don't. You shut up.

[B]

No, but.

[A]

At the keyhole, huh, Blackie?

[B]

Thanks for talking so loud, Hollister.

[A]

You're not going to be able to tell anybody what you heard.

[B]

Oh, you're not fair, Hollister.

[A]

You didn't give me a chance to get my gun. One good punch in the right face should what, Hollister? Put you to sleep. I'm not that tired. But you're going to be.

[B]

Go to sleep, little killer.

[C]

Blackie, are you all right?

[B]

All right, Carolyn. And my left isn't there, either. Hollister's on the floor.

[C]

What did you hit him with?

[B]

My hands. I threw a right at him. Now I'll drag him down to headquarters and watch Faraday throw the book at him. Well, Faraday, did you get a confession from Hollister?

[A]

Yeah, but no thanks to you.

[B]

No, no, no, of course not. But you might thank Carolyn Smith. I told her to go to Hollister and pretend she knew the whole story.

[C]

How did you ever guess he killed Bob Johnson and Beckley?

[B]

I didn't guess, Carolyn, until after we found Beckley murdered. Up until then, I thought Edwards had killed Johnson for not going down for the count in the sixth round. I know a lot of fighters, Carolyn, and they're all clean living kids.

[A]

It's a good thing for the game

[B]

that there aren't many characters like Hollister and Johnson.

[A]

Say what Swung you to Hollister as the murderer Blankie, the fact that you'd

[B]

just come from seeing Edwards. Beckley had been dead for only a few minutes, so Edwards couldn't possibly have killed him. You see, I was sure Johnson and Beckley were killed by the same man for the same reason.

[C]

Well, from now on, Blackie, I'm certainly going to believe it when I hear that you solve most of the police cases in this town.

[A]

He solves them. Whatever gave anybody that idea?

[B]

Oh, that isn't true, Carolyn. I don't solve all the police cases in this town, only the ones that Faraday works on.

[A]

It's Sam. It. That concludes today's episode. We'd like to thank you and remind you to [e-mail] Remember, your donations make episodes like this possible.